ASTM E3090/E3090M-22

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of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E3090/E3090M − 20 E3090/E3090M − 22
Standard Test Methods for
Strength Properties of Metal Ceiling Suspension Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3090/E3090M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
In the past mechanical properties of metal ceiling suspension systems have been buried in other
standards such as Specification C635 and Practice E580. This test method is an attempt to pull all
testing requirements into one document.
1. Scope
1.1 These test methods cover metal ceiling suspension systems used primarily to support acoustical tile, acoustical lay-in panels,
or suspended T-bar type ceiling systems.
1.2 These test methods cover the determination of strength properties of suspended ceiling grid system components as follows:
Tests Subsections
Load Carrying Capacity 5.1
Connection Strength in Tension 5.2.2; 5.2.4
Connection Strength in Compression 5.2.3; 5.2.5
Wire Pullout Resistance 5.3
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used
independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods described in this specification. This standard does not
purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to
establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior
to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E33 on Building and Environmental Acoustics and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
E33.04 on Application of Acoustical Materials and Systems.
Current edition approved April 1, 2020April 1, 2022. Published April 2020April 2022. Originally approved in 2017. Last previous edition approved in 20192020 as
E3090/E3090M – 19.E3090/E3090M – 20. DOI: 10.1520/E3090_E3090M-20.10.1520/E3090_E3090M-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E3090/E3090M − 22
C634 Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental Acoustics
C635 Specification for Manufacture, Performance, and Testing of Metal Suspension Systems for Acoustical Tile and Lay-in
Panel Ceilings
E580 Practice for Installation of Ceiling Suspension Systems for Acoustical Tile and Lay-in Panels in Areas Subject to
Earthquake Ground Motions
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
3. Terminology
3.1 For terminology relating to Building and Environmental Acoustics, seeTerms used in this standard are defined either in
Terminology C634 or within this standard. The definition of terms explicitly given within this standard take precedence over
definitions given in Terminology C634. The definitions within Terminology C634. and this standard take precedence over any other
definitions of defined terms found in any other documents, including other documents that may be referenced in this standard.
3.2 For terminology relating to Building Constructions, see Terminology E631.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 carrying channel, n—metal section that supports the entire structural grid network in some forms of mechanical ceiling
suspension systems.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—
The carrying channels are usually suspended by hanger wires from the existing structure and the main runners are then attached
to the channels.
3.2.2 ceiling suspension system, n—the entire network or grid of structural components, as defined by the ceiling suspension
system manufacturer, that provides support for acoustical ceiling tile, acoustical ceiling panels, lighting fixtures, flexible sprinkler
hose fittings and air diffusers.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—
The manufacturer of the ceiling suspension system will define/designate which elements of the system are the structural
components.
3.2.3 cross runner, n—the secondary or cross beams of a mechanical ceiling suspension system.
3.2.3.1 Discussion—
The cross runners usually support only the acoustical tile. In some forms of suspension systems, however, the cross runners also
provide support for lighting fixtures, air diffusers, flexible sprinkler hose fittings, and other cross runners.
3.2.4 cross runner connection, n—cross runners are interconnected to each other at a cross runner to main runner intersection.
3.2.5 cross runner to main runner intersection, n—cross runners intersect a main runner along the length of the main runner and
are terminated at the a slot or rout along the main runner length.
3.2.5.1 Discussion—
In a typical intersection two cross runners intersect a main runner from opposing sides and share the same slot or rout hole.
3.2.6 main runner splice, n—the primary main tees of the ceiling suspension system are connected along their lengths with a splice
that is typically made from the body material or a secondary material attached to the main tee.
3.2.6.1 Discussion—
The ‘splice’ connection ensures the modularity of the connection and typically has no intersecting cross runners at the location of
the splice.
3.2.7 main runner, n—the primary or main beams of the type of ceiling suspension system in which the structural members are
mechanically locked together.
3.2.7.1 Discussion—
The main runners provide direct support for cross runners, and at times support lighting fixtures and air diffusers. In addition, the
acoustical tile are also directly supported by the main runners. In some forms of mechanical ceiling suspension systems, the main
runners are supported by hanger wires attached directly to the existing structure. In other forms, the main runners (also referred
to as “H” runners, “Z” bars, etc.) are installed perpendicular to carrying channels and are supported by specially designed sheet
metal or wire clips attached to the carrying channels.
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3.2.8 primary structural member, n—the member that is under test in the load carrying capacity test (5.1).
3.2.8.1 Discussion—
The primary structural member is typically a main runner.
3.2.9 rout or cross runner hole, n—a slot in the web of the main runner which is designed to accept interlocking cross runner ends.
3.2.10 secondary structural member, n—optional member that is added to the load carrying capacity test (5.1) to provide
horizontal support to the primary structural member.
3.2.10.1 Discussion—
The secondary structural member is typically a cross runner.
3.2.11 suspended ceiling, n—a ceiling in which the main runners and cross runners are suspended below the structural members
of the building.
3.2.11.1 Discussion—
Fig. 1 illustrates several common ceiling suspension systems.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Load Carrying Capacity:
4.1.1 Most architectural specifications contain a uniform load requirement based on Specification C635. Additionally, it is useful
to know the uniform loads of cross runners to evaluate their suitability for various ceiling loads.
FIG. 1 Suspension System Types
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4.1.2 The procedure detailed in this standard is intended to be used for the simple 4 ft span specified in Specification C635 but
it can be used for simple spans other than 4 ft.
4.1.3 Various concentrated load combinations can be similarly tested or they can be calculated from the uniform load results by
engineering analysis.
4.2 Connection Strength in Tension and Compression:
4.2.1 Structural failure of grid systems under axial loading is controlled by the failure of connections between the grid members.
Specification of the allowable axial loads is useful for designers and specifiers for determining which grid systems will be
appropriate for specific job conditions.
4.2.2 Connection strength is particularly important where the grid installation is expected to experience lateral loads due to
earthquake or wind.
4.2.3 Connection strength in both compression and in tension are specified in Practice E580 as mean ultimate test load in tension
and in compression.
5. Test Methods
5.1 Load Carrying Capacity:
5.1.1 Apparatus – Support Frame—Provide a rectangular support frame having the essential features of the unit described below:
5.1.1.1 The support frame (Fig. 2) shall have the capability for length adjustment to permit testing of structural members on clear
spans for a maximum of 8 ft [2400 mm] to a minimum of 3 ft [900 mm]. It shall have the capability for overall width adjustment
from a maximum of 4 ft [1200 mm] to a minimum of 2 ft [600 mm].
5.1.1.2 The support frame shall have sufficient stiffness so that no significant deflection occurs within the frame during load tests
of suspension system structural members.
5.1.1.3 The support frame shall be either ceiling mounted or floor supported.
5.1.1.4 Both ends of the test specimen must be supported by a ⁄4 in. [6 mm] radius support.
5.1.2 Test Specimen—The structural members tested shall be identical to the sections used in the final system design. All cutouts,
slots, etc., as exist in the system component shall be included in the sections evaluated.
FIG. 2 Support Frame
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5.1.2.1 Main runners/cross runners that are part of a fire resistance rated assembly that contain fire expansion relief cutouts shall
be evaluated for load performance where field application of the expansion relief is designed to be more than 3 in. [75 mm] from
the closest support point.
5.1.2.2 Allowable mill variations of sheet stock thickness can have a significant effect on section stiffness and load carrying ability.
Consequently, load-deflection studies of structural members shall utilize sections fabricated in accordance with the system
manufacturers’ published metal thicknesses and dimensions.
5.1.2.3 The length of the specimen shall not exceed the length of the span being tested by more than 12 in. [300 mm].
5.1.2.4 In actual ceiling installations, the lateral (horizontal) buckling of structural members is prevented by the lateral support
provided by intersecting structural members. When secondary structural members are used in a test system, they provide the
needed lateral (horizontal) support but make no direct contribution to the load-deflection performance in terms of vertical support
of the primary structural member being tested.
5.1.2.5 Prevent lateral (horizontal) buckling of the section during testing by installing secondary members between the test
specimen and the vertical sides of the support frame. Install secondary members normal to the direction of the primary structural
member. Install secondary members no closer than 24 in. [600 mm] apart. Secondary member placement shall be symmetrical
about both horizontal centerlines of the support frame. Lateral bracing is to be representative of actual ceiling modules. Do not
use additional materials, such as panels or tiles, to provide lateral support.
5.1.2.6 The secondary structural members are either the interlocking type (such as with use of an actual cross runner) or
non-interlocking type. Where interlocking secondary members are used, assemble them into the structural member being tested in
customary fashion, and support the other end with the side of the support frame. Where non-interlocking secondary members are
used, support one end of secondary members from the flange of the primary structural member (Fig. 2), and support the other end
with the side of the support frame.
5.1.2.7 Clearances between the ends of the secondary structural member and the support frame shall be typical of that which exists
in the actual ceiling system. Secondary members must not interlock with the perimeter support frame.
5.1.2.8 During testing, any lateral (horizontal) buckling tendency will be defeated as the secondary structural member, supported
laterally (horizontally) by the vertical side of the support frame, bears on the web of the primary structural member. This type of
setup provides a means for giving at least a partial recognition of the enhancement of load-carrying capability that other structural
members contribute to grid systems with respect to lateral (horizontal) support. The secondary structural member shall not provide
vertical support to the primary structural member.
5.1.3 Section Loading:
5.1.3.1 With the structural member to be evaluated installed in the support frame, position the support frame to mount the vertical
displacement deflection measuring devices directly over the test section at the mid-span. As an option, additional deflection
measuring devices shall be mounted at each end of the test section at the rest supports. The optional end measuring device shall
be used when a test section exhibits a tendency to compact at the rest supports. Position the measuring device to read zero with
reference to a horizontal plane that runs through the supports of the structural member in the test support frame. Incorporate the
weight of hanger wires, pans, etc., as part of the first incremental test l
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